Suggestions for Compiling Multiple Video Files

I have been given the task of compiling multiple video clips to one (aprox 1 hr) file to play on a PC being projected for a presentation (that was a mouth full!)

The files given so far have been HD – 1080, but I know they will be all different sizes and encodings.

I already know that we have a final size limitation (1024 x 768.)

What would you all suggest as the best method for compiling them? I brought some into AE for a test, but obviously that will be a long render process resulting in huge file. If that is the best way, I will do that, but I am hoping to do what makes the most sense in regard to size and quality.

The easiest and fastest method would be to use an encoding application that can:

1. Import all the various file formats and sizes
2. Export them to the agreed upon final format, frame size AND stitch them together as one file.

Most mid to high-end encoding programs offer the ability load batches of files and then stich them together into one encoded file. For instance, on Windows...Procoder offers this (although it's an older app), and Telestream Episode does too. I know I've read that Sorenson Squeeze has stitching as well.